Brayden Lenius, the Roughriders’ second-round selection (15th overall), played tight end at New Mexico State last season. He caught only six passes, for 39 yards and one touchdown, in seven games.

At 6-foot-5 and exceeding 230 pounds, Lenius possesses the requisite physical dimensions and appears to be versatile. But how can anyone declare with any certainty that he will be a factor? It is strictly guesswork.

More emphatically, it can be written that the Roughriders are in excellent shape as far as overall Canadian talent is concerned.

They are not in a position, or a predicament, where it is imperative that at least one of this year’s selections is able to start as a rookie.

Compare that to 2015, when the Roughriders stockpiled untested national defensive tackles with the intention of starting a Canadian at that spot.

That desperation draft-day strategy should have been among the first indications that the Roughriders of 2015 were destined for a dismal year.

Compare that situation to the Roughriders’ current wealth of Canadians — 2018 draftees excepted due to the aforementioned uncertainties.

Saskatchewan will likely start three homebrews along the offensive line. Perennial all-star guard Brendon LaBatte is, of course, a lock. Dan Clark is reliable at centre. At right guard, Philip Blake and Dariusz Bladek are both of starting calibre. And does 2018 first-rounder Dakota Shepley factor into the equation? Or the promising Braden Schram?

Expect 2018 trade-deadline acquisition Patrick Lavoie, who can play fullback or tight end, to be a major part of the offence.